Last updated 12:03, Monday, 04 August 2008

A STUDENT from Barrow is hoping to hear the golden words “you’re hired” after taking part in a new NHS apprentice scheme.

HELEN MASON

The 22-year-old is one of 13 candidates selected following an intensive round of assessments, as part of North Lancashire Teaching Primary Care Trust’s new NHS Apprentice scheme.

The successful contenders are about to begin an eight-week placement, where each week they will battle it out in a rigorous set of tasks for the opportunity to be offered a permanent contract as an NHS Management Trainee.

This week the apprentices have been split into two teams who will go head-to-head as they design a campaign to improve the health of people in the region.

Miss Mason said: “I’ve just graduated with a degree in English Literature and I’ve previously worked as a customer services agent.

“I didn’t expect to get a place on the Apprentice Scheme – the assessment was quite nerve-wracking.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in different tasks each week.

“I hope to develop my leadership skills and I believe the scheme will improve my employment prospects in the future.”

The apprentices were whittled down from 90 hopefuls and will undergo assignments in areas including leadership, problem solving and project management, to show that they’ve got what it takes to join one of the world’s largest organisations.

At the end of the placement the winner will become part of a team that is providing healthcare to communities in the Lancaster, Fylde and Wyre areas.

Chief executive of North Lancashire Teaching Primary Care Trust, Ian Cumming, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the huge response we have had to our new Apprentice Scheme.

“It’s vital we keep attracting the best talent to join the team at the PCT. The Apprentice Scheme is an exciting way for us to seek out the right people for the task of leading the NHS in North Lancashire into the future.”